Celebrating Singapore’s Diverse Heritage Businesses

• I am honoured to be with you at the inaugural SG Heritage Business award ceremony.

Importance of Heritage Businesses

• Our heritage businesses play an important role in building our sense of identity as a nation.

  • They are keepers of crafts and skills, transmitting and promoting these traditions across generations.

  • They serve as cultural touchstones, and allow visitors from all over the world to experience a part of our unique culture.

• I’ve met many heritage business owners in the past few months, and they all share a passion and drive to preserve and build on the legacies they have inherited.

• Our heritage businesses have grown together with Singapore, and continue to be steadfast in their commitment to pass down our heritage, and anchor us to our roots.

Honouring SG Heritage Businesses

• So tonight, in this SG60 year, we honour these custodians of our heritage.

  • 42 homegrown heritage businesses will be recognised today.

  • Collectively, all of them exemplify three crucial qualities.

• First, they demonstrate exceptional commitment to preserving our heritage.

  • These businesses maintain traditions, and actively document knowledge and pass it on to younger generations.

  • For example, one of tonight’s awardees, Spring Court Restaurant, is one of the oldest restaurants serving local Chinese cuisine in Singapore.

  • It is an iconic landmark in Chinatown – some of you may have had gatherings there before.

  • I had the privilege of leading a group of young men, and saw them through from being recruits to commandos. About two and half years ago, we celebrated our twentieth year of serving together at Spring Court.

  • Spring Court is dedicated to preserving its history. Its walls, and even the menus, are covered in images and precious items that honour the restaurant’s legacy and celebrate its traditions.

  • So a trip to Spring Court also allows us to get an education in the history of Chinatown, Chinese cuisine, and Singapore.

  • Like Spring Court, many of our awardees demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving and sharing their heritage.

• Second, SG Heritage Businesses contribute significantly to their communities.

  • They provide essential services, support local events, and serve as places to gather; they are woven into the fabric of Singapore life.

  • Toko Aljunied is one such business. It is one of the longest-standing textile businesses in Singapore. They are known for their quality batik and tailored garments like kebaya and sarong.

  • The Aljunied family, through their business, contributes actively to the Kampong Gelam and Arab communities through involvement with the Arab Association of Singapore, the Kawan Kebaya community network, and donations to several educational funds.

  • We want to thank businesses like Toko Aljunied for helping to build up the communities around them, and contributing to our efforts to be a “We First” society.

• And third, SG Heritage Businesses demonstrate a remarkable commitment to innovation and sustainability.

  • They honour our heritage while embracing change.

  • For example, STYLEMART Bridal Collection is a fashion house that has evolved from tailoring for British clients in the 1950s into an exciting brand for multi-ethnic bridal and heritage wear.

  • The owner, Ms Kavita Thulasidas, constantly innovates, from exploring new consumer segments to venturing into e-commerce. This expands both the business and its impact on preserving our heritage.

  • And this spirit of tradition and innovation is found in many of our awardees tonight.

• At this juncture, I would like to thank all our heritage businesses for the strong role you play in preserving our traditions and strengthening Singapore’s social fabric.

• Ladies and gentlemen, can we give everyone a big round of applause.

SG Heritage Business Scheme

• We recognise the contribution and importance of heritage businesses, and we are committed to supporting them. Through the SG Heritage Business Scheme, we hope to enhance their visibility and continue to sustain their legacies.

  • Each business will receive a specially designed SG Heritage Business mark, which they can display at their stores and in their marketing efforts. This will help Singaporeans easily identify and support them.

  • Businesses will have opportunities to participate in heritage-focused programming and experiences such as the Singapore Night Festival and Singapore HeritageFest. This will help businesses widen their reach to both Singaporeans as well as international visitors.

  • In addition, we will provide tailored support for businesses to undertake transformation efforts, and connect them with further business assistance and grants.

Broader efforts to support heritage businesses

• This is just the beginning of our efforts to support heritage businesses.

• While the pilot is scoped to businesses in the Central Area, we are committed to exploring how we can recognise and support more businesses over time.

• The SG Heritage Business Scheme is part of NHB’s efforts under Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0 to encourage the sustainability of heritage businesses in Singapore.

  • Heritage businesses can tap on the Organisation Transformation Grant, and come onboard the SG Culture Pass by developing programmes for Singaporeans to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of their goods, services, and crafts.

  • The Inter-Agency Task Force for Heritage Businesses, Traditional Activities and Cultural Life, led by my colleagues Faishal and Yen Ling, will also continue efforts to champion and support our heritage businesses.

Heritage is a Whole-of-Society Effort

• But what’s most important is for Singaporeans to continue to support our heritage business.

  • Visit them. Learn their stories. Use your Culture Pass to go on a Heritage Tour. Make these businesses a part of your life, and become a part of theirs.

  • Tell your friends and family about them, and bring visitors from overseas to experience this unique slice of Singapore.

  • And consider these businesses for your celebrations, gifts, and everyday needs.

• With everyone’s support, future generations can continue to experience the diversity and richness of our cultural heritage through these businesses.

• Thank you, and congratulations once again to all the awardees.